One of the city’s most beloved events, The International Festival of Arts & Ideas, returns June 14-28 for its 30th anniversary, and is sure to set the city abuzz. Join family, friends, and neighbors while New Haven marks three decades of unforgettable performances, insightful conversations, and vibrant energy.
A Pearl of an Anniversary
To honor the festival’s 30-year journey, New Haven is celebrating with the pearl – the traditional anniversary gift. A pearl transforms from a small irritant into a luminous gem, much like how incredible art and brilliant ideas blossom from diverse perspectives.
Books, Ideas, and Burning Questions
Dive into a world of ideas with this year’s Big Read, featuring Ray Bradbury’s prophetic masterpiece, Fahrenheit 451. More than just a story, this reading is an invitation to spark conversations, ignite curiosity, and ponder the power of knowledge in a world where ideas are more precious than ever.
Weaving Our City’s Story
The Festival is a vibrant tapestry woven throughout our community. Discover festival events popping up in diverse neighborhoods like Fair Haven and Dixwell, bringing the magic directly to you. Enjoy cutting-edge performances and unique experiences like “City of Floating Sounds,” an immersive journey where your phone creates a shifting soundscape, culminating in a grand concert with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra on the Green.
Your Free Pass to Fun on the Green
The iconic New Haven Green will once again be the heart of the festival, brimming with incredible performances and events that are free for the whole family. Imagine sun-drenched afternoons filled with music, dance, and discovery, all happening right in the vibrant center of our city. Get ready to tap your toes and dance under the stars with the magnificent New Haven Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Perry So, joined by musicians from across the city, including the electrifying Hillhouse Marching Band and the joyful St. Luke’s Steel Band. You won’t want to miss the energy of the Juneteenth Jamboree, a powerful performance honoring the holiday and celebrating unity in the most vibrant way.
A Rhythmic Close to the Celebration
As the Festival draws to a close, get ready for a grand finale that will have you moving. The Caribbean Heritage Festival will bring an explosion of color, sound, and flavor to New Haven, celebrating the vibrant traditions of the Caribbean, making it the perfect way to wrap up weeks of cultural exploration and inspiration.
New Haven truly has it all, and the 2025 International Festival of Arts & Ideas is about to prove it once again. Get ready to explore, engage, and be utterly enchanted.
photo credit: International Festival of Arts & Ideas, Minty Fresh Circus
